There is finally a breakthrough in the logjam over the Champions Trophy 2025, which has been at a standstill for a long while. The International Cricket Council has now approved a hybrid model, with India’s matches also being played at a neutral venue. In return, Pakistan’s games during the ICC events hosted by India will also be played at neutral venues. This decision, through an ICC board vote, sealed a significant decision to ease the tension that had developed between the two nations’ cricket boards.
The hybrid model starts with the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025. Part of the agreement will move all India matches hosted in Pakistan’s tournaments to neutral venues. This will even include knockout games such as the semifinals and finals. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches in India-hosted ICC events, such as the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, will also be shifted. Sri Lanka, being the co-host for the 2026 T20 World Cup, is a suitable neutral venue for the possible India-Pakistan matches.
Hybrid Model Accepted for Champions Trophy 2025, PCB to Decide Neutral Venue
The PCB, which will retain full hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, will have to propose a neutral venue within 24 hours of ratification of the agreement. UAE is considered to be in good contention although Sri Lanka is also named in this context. Cricket fans and organizers alike were relieved at the decision after uncertainty surrounding the tournament mounted following India’s earlier decision not to play in Pakistan.
The hybrid structure may also impact future bilateral and multi-nation series. The agreement leaves scope for a triangular or quadrangular T20I series between India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries with mutual consent. This proposal, which the PCB pushed for during the negotiations, further emphasizes their long-term vision for balanced structures.
This decision has been taken after weeks of high-stakes negotiations between the PCB, BCCI, and ICC, at a time when political ties between India and Pakistan are at a low. Both governments were involved in final approvals, with key officials like Mohsin Naqvi and Jay Shah steering the discussions.
With the hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025 accepted, cricket fans can look forward to a landmark event that balances political challenges with the sport’s global appeal.
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